Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- rv:intro [2023/06/25 14:26]
mahkato add Attributes section
+++ rv:intro [2024/12/19 09:56] (current)
frater_secessus [overviews]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-> Words of Wisdom:  "The best van is the one that is //best for you//."
+Words of Wisdom:  "The best van is the one that is //best for you//."
-====== Overview of Vehicle Options ======
+====== Brief overview of different RVs ======
-After determining that [[lifestyle:why|you might want or need to live in a vehicle]], one of your first major considerations is "what kind of van should I get?" Sometimes the answer isn't a van at all, but some other platform that meets your needs better, or something you already have available.
+One of the first decisions a potential 'dweller thinks about is "what kind of van?"  Sometimes the answer isn't a van at all, but some other platform that meets one's needs better, or is what one already has at hand.
-**This page is a starting point for finding the right vehicle for you.**
+The chart below attempts to give a rough overview of the pro/con of the main types of camper.
-==== Video overviews ====
+===== overviews =====
-Additional videos can be found on the pages for each vehicle type in the [[#vehicles|Vehicles section]].
+  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6LhQNSZrHE|Bob Wells' overview]] ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0Hk-p-utLQ|2024 version]] )
-  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6LhQNSZrHE|Bob Wells' overview]]
   * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8d3OKl0k4E|Robert Witham's overview]] (and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huO9nelVmTs|conclusion]])
   * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZbTvI5fr9o|Carolyn's RV Life groundwork]]
+===== types of RV =====
-===== Attributes =====
-Knowing what features you need can help guide your vehicle selection.
-  * **Ceiling height** is the interior height of the living space. A vehicle you can stand in is significantly more comfortable to live in. Keep in mind that insulation and other surfaces reduce overall height.
-    * HIGH - Motorhomes, box trucks, step vans, some buses
-    * MODERATE - Trailers, raised-roof vans, some buses
-    * LOW - Standard-roof vans, pickup trucks with slide-in camper
-    * VERY LOW - Cars, minivans, SUVS, pickup trucks with topper
-  * **Clearance** is the overall height of the vehicle. Tall vehicles are more likely to hit low overhangs, trees, etc., and may be prohibited on certain roads. Remember to add the height of anything mounted on the roof.
-    * HIGH - Box trucks, buses, motorhomes, step vans, 5th wheel trailers
-    * MODERATE - Most trailers, raised-roof vans, pickup trucks with slide-in camper
-    * LOW - Cars, minivans, SUVs, standard-roof vans, pickup trucks with topper
-  * **Conversion difficulty** refers to the amount of work required to converting a vehicle from its original purpose to a residential vehicle. Straight walls are generally easier to work with when adding [[hvac:insulation|insulation]], cabinetry, windows, etc.
-    * NO CONVERSION - Motorhomes, travel trailers, pickup truck campers
-    * EASY - Box trucks, step vans, cargo trailers
-    * MODERATE - Cargo vans, pickup trucks with toppers
-    * HARD - Buses, passenger vans, cars, minivans, SUVs
-  * **Living space** is the amount of livable area (in square or cubic measurements) after conversion. Since vehicle width is limited by law and practicality, length is the biggest factor in the amount of space available, followed by ceiling height.
-    * LARGE - Class A motorhomes, most buses, box trucks, step vans
-    * MODERATE - Class B and C motorhomes, raised-roof vans, trailers
-    * LOW - Standard-roof vans, pickup trucks with slide-in camper
-    * VERY LOW - Cars, minivans, SUVs, pickups with topper
-  * **Parking** is generally more difficult to find the larger your vehicle is.
-    * EASY - Cars, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks
-    * MODERATE - Cargo vans, passenger vans, Class B and C motorhomes
-    * HARD - Box trucks, step vans, Class A motorhomes, trailers
-  * **Passthrough** refers to the ability to reach the cargo or living area of the vehicle from the driving area.
-    * YES - Most vans, buses, motorhomes
-    * MAYBE - Trucks
-    * NO - Trailers
-  * **Solar mounting** refers to the ease of adding sufficient solar panels to the roof of your vehicle. Large, flat roofs are easiest.
-    * EASY - Box trucks, step vans, motorhomes, trailers
-    * MODERATE - Buses, cargo vans, passenger vans, pickup trucks
-    * HARD - Cars, minivans, SUVs
-  * **[[camping:stealth_camping|Stealth]]** is the ability to pass for an unoccupied, non-residential vehicle when needed. Windows reduce stealth significantly, while solar panels, vents, air conditioners, do so to a lesser degree.
-    * YES (if unmodified or built to be stealthy) - Box trucks, step vans, cargo vans, cargo trailers
-    * MAYBE - Passenger vans, buses, minivans, cars, SUVs, pickup trucks with toppers
-    * NO - Motorhomes, travel trailers, pickup trucks with slide-in campers
-====== Vehicles ======
-Visit the pages for each vehicle type for additional information and resources.
-----
-===== Vans =====
-Vans are the most common choice for those who want to build their own mobile living quarters. For most people, they are a good balance of pros and cons. Professionally converted vans are also available.
-See also **[[rv:cargo_van:comparo|Van Comparisons]]** and **[[rv:van_issues|Model-specific weak points]]**.
-Common van models:
-  * [[rv:ford_e-series|Ford E-series]]
-  * [[rv:ford_transit|Ford Transit]]
-  * [[rv:nv|Nissan NV2500/3500]]
-  * [[rv:ram_promaster|Ram Promaster]]
-  * [[rv:sprinter|Sprinter]]
-----
-A **[[RV:cargo van|Cargo van]]** is the most common "van dwelling" choice.
-  * **Pro:** ease of modification, stealth, mounting solar, passthrough
-  * **Con:** aesthetics, living space, used work vans can be beat up
-----
-A **[[RV:passenger van|Passenger van]]** or **conversion van** is upfitted with A/V equipment, decor, and a [[rv:high_roof|raised roof]].
-  * **Pro:** stealth, raised roof, already own?, [[rv:passthrough|passthrough]]
-  * **Con:** ease of modification, living space, mounting solar, disposing of seats
-----
-===== Commercial Trucks =====
-Trucks offer significantly more room than vans, and are generally built on a heavy-duty chassis that will last much longer. However, they use more fuel, usually cost more to purchase and repair, and may be less comfortable to drive.
-----
-**[[RV:skoolie|Skoolies]]** and other **buses** offer lots of space and windows. Buses are often cheap to buy but may be expensive to convert and operate.
-  * **Pro:** living space, easy to find
-  * **Con:** MPG, parking, parts, insurance, serviceability, disposing of seats
-----
-**[[RV:box truck|Box trucks]]** provide a large cubic space for an easy build.
-  * **Pro:** Large living space, square shape easy to modify, easy solar mounting, passthrough (on some vehicles), space under truck to hang things
-  * **Con:** Low MPG, insurance may be difficult to obtain, may be difficult to find repair shops, GWVR may require stopping at weigh stations in some jurisdictions, floor is above rear wheel (no wheel wells) so more difficulty getting in and out
-----
-**[[RV:step van|Step vans]]** provide a large cubic space for an easy build, with easier access than other trucks.
-  * **Pro:** flat surfaces for easy build and solar mount, large living area, entrance steps and low floor height for easy ingress and egress, nondescript for stealth camping, easy engine access
-  * **Con:** commercial vehicles often see very hard use, not ideal for regular highway driving (geared for local deliveries), may be difficult to find parking due to size, frequently have high miles, road noise
-----
-**[[RV:ambulance|Ambulances]]** can be a good compromise between a van and truck in terms of size and building platform.
-  * **Pro:** coolness, built-in storage and electrical systems
-  * **Con:** potential biohazards, may have excessive idling hours, leaks around specialty lighting, insurance
-----
-===== Motorhomes =====
-Motorhomes are purpose-built for recreation and living, but are expensive and often have low build quality. They are generally grouped into three classes:
-----
-The **[[RV:Class A|Class A motorhome]]** is a large, expensive RV that [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|looks like a tour bus]].
-  * **Pro:** large comfortable living space, slide-outs for additional space, many built-in features and amenities, professionally designed and installed systems
-  * **Con:** parking, expensive, build quality sometimes lacking, very tall overall height, high fuel usage
-----
-{{ http://rv-camping.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ClassB.jpg?200}}
-The **[[RV:Class B|Class B motorhome]]** is a mini RV [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|built into a passenger van chassis]].
-  * **Pro:** build quality, built-in amenities, passthrough, relatively good MPG
-  * **Con:** parking, expensive
-----
-{{ https://www.rvezy.com/sites/default/files/styles/rv_photo_slider/public/rv-photos/not%20yet%20assigned/class_c_side.jpg?200}}
-The **[[RV:Class C|Class C motorhome]]** is a [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1#tbs=imgo:1&tbm=isch&q=class+c+rv|Cutaway vans with large living spaces and overcab sleeping areas]]
-  * **Pro:** living space, built-in amenities, relatively inexpensive, passthrough
-  * **Con:** parking, low overhangs, build quality, very low MPG
-----
-===== Trailers =====
-----
-{{ http://cdn.loveyourrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/CapitolReef-051-500x166.jpg?200}}
-The **[[RV:travel trailer|Travel trailer]]** is the most common kind of RV in the US.  Examples include bumper hitch trailers, [[https://duckduckgo.com/?q=5th+wheel+travel+trailers&iax=1&ia=images|5th wheel trailers]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=teardrop%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|teardrops]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=canned%20ham%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|canned hams]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=fiberglass%20egg%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|fiberglass eggs]].
-  * **Pro:** space, built-in amenities
-  * **Con:** build quality, passthrough, mounting solar
-----
-{{ https://distillery-trailercentral.s3.amazonaws.com/sYZ8Mc/4SN5KZ/2015_Sharp_SHARP_7X16_Cargo__Enclosed_Trailer_T1rdLu.jpg?200}}
-A **[[rv:travel_trailer#cargo_trailers|Cargo trailer]]** is a boxy trailer that can be converted to a living space.
-  * **Pro:** space, ease of modification, mounting solar
-  * **Con:** passthrough
-----
-===== Smaller vehicles =====
-----
-A **[[RV:minivan|minivan]]** or **SUV** is a step above living in your car, but gives enough space for sleeping comfortably if the seats are folded down or removed.
-  * **Pro:** stealth, insurance, already own?, passthrough
-  * **Con:** living space
-Common van models:
-  * [[rv:astro|Chevy Astro / GMC Safari]]
-  * [[rv:express|Chevy Express / GMC Savanna]]
-----
-**[[RV:car|Cars]]**
-  * **Pro:** stealth (with sufficiently tinted windows), MPG, insurance, already own?
-  * **Con:** low living space, limited solar options
-----
-{{ https://i.redd.it/oapc7pm4ro671.jpg?150}}
-**[[RV:pickup|Pickup trucks]]**
-  * **Pro:** 4wd can go anywhere, ground clearance, built for towing
-  * **Con:** handling, low overhangs, passthrough, mounting solar, expensive
-----
+^ **RV**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ^ **Pro**                                                                                                     ^ **Con**                                                                                                                                              ^ Youtube discussion                                                                                                                                                                                                           ^
+| [[rv:cargo_van|cargo van]]\\ The most common vehicle for "vandwelling".                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | ease of modification, \\ stealth, \\ mounting solar, \\ passthrough                                         | aesthetics, living space, used work vans can be beat up                                                                                              | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wUsjwAxue0|Robert Witham #6]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FG4Sg_IavM|Carolyn's RV Life #3]]                                                                                      |
+| conversion van\\ A passenger van upfitted with A/V equipment, decor, and a raised roof ([[rv:high_roof|"tv top"]]).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | stealth, \\ raised roof, \\ already own?, \\ [[rv:passthrough|passthrough]]                                 | ease of modification, living space, mounting solar, disposing of seats                                                                               | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wUsjwAxue0|Robert Witham #6]]                                                                                                                                                             |
+| minivan                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | stealth \\ insurance, \\ already own?, \\ passthrough                                                       | living space                                                                                                                                         | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxMi7fFVoAk|Robert Witham #5]]                                                                                                                                                             |
+| [[rv:travel trailer|travel trailer]]\\ The most common kind of RV in the US.  Examples include bumper hitch trailers, [[https://duckduckgo.com/?q=5th+wheel+travel+trailers&iax=1&ia=images|5th wheel trailers]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=teardrop%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|teardrops]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=canned%20ham%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|canned hams]], [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=fiberglass%20egg%20trailer&tbs=imgo:1|fiberglass eggs]].  | space, \\ built-in amenities                                                                                | build quality, \\ passthrough, \\ mounting solar                                                                                                     | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvyXQHb-j5o|Robert Witham #7]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9x7LkXs2kc|Carolyn's RV Life #2]]                                                                                      |
+| cargo trailer\\ boxy trailer that can be converted to a living space.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | space, \\ ease of modification, \\ mounting solar                                                           | passthrough                                                                                                                                          | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNuek8BIR6E|Robert Witham #8]] \\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UhkIBUhM-k|Bob Wells]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9x7LkXs2kc|Carolyn's RV Life #2]]                         |
+| truck w/slide-in camper                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 4wd can go anywhere \\ ground clearance                                                                     | handling, \\ low overhangs, \\ passthrough, \\ mounting solar, \\ expensive                                                                          | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td7wreFggWU|Robert Witham #4]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9x7LkXs2kc|Carolyn's RV Life #2]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H2lziLON4U|Mortons on the Move w/Gary Conley]]  |
+| truck w/camper shell                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | inexpensive, \\ mounting solar                                                                              | living space, \\ passthrough                                                                                                                         | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td7wreFggWU|Robert Witham #4]]                                                                                                                                                             |
+| [[rv:car|car]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | stealth, \\ MPG, \\ insurance, \\ already own?                                                              | living space, \\ mounting solar                                                                                                                      | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_o0snhETC0|Robert Witham #2]] \\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjCJ6ZDcgXY|Living in a car by choice or necessity]] - rwitham                                                         |
+| SUV                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | stealth, \\ light towing, \\ already own?\\ insurance                                                       | living space                                                                                                                                         | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrJrPBnpQto|Robert Witham #3]]                                                                                                                                                             |
+| box truck                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | living space,\\ square shape easy to modify, \\ mounting solar, \\ passthrough, can hang things underneath  | MPG, insurance, \\ parts, serviceability, gwvr may require stopping at weigh stations, very tall for interior height as floor is above rear wheels.  | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv0Wi_kLWLI|Robert Witham #9]]                                                                                                                                                             |
+| school bus                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | living space, easy to find                                                                                  | MPG, \\ parking, \\ parts,\\ insurance,  serviceability, disposing of seats                                                                          | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30nbdPLxZAg|Robert Witham #10]]                                                                                                                                                            |
+| ambulance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | coolness, built-in cabinetry                                                                                | biohazards, excessive idling hours, leaks around specialty lighting\\ insurance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ||
+| [[rv:step_van|step van]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | space, standing height, straight walls, easy engine access                                                  | often recycled for aluminum bodies, MPG, geared for local deliveries,\\ insurance, road noise                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ||
+| shuttle bus                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | standing height, living space                                                                               | MPG, geared for local driving, excessive idling hours,\\ insurance, disposing of seats                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ||
+| [[rv:class_a|Class A motorhome]]\\ large, expensive RVs that [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|look like tour buses]].                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | living space, \\ built-in amenities, \\ passthrough                                                         | parking, \\ expensive, \\ build quality, \\ low overhangs, \\ very low MPG                                                                           | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EJy7CkfF2E|Robert Witham #13]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZbTvI5fr9o&t=689s|Carolyn's RV Life #1]]                                                                              |
+| [[rv:class_b|Class B motorhome]]\\ mini RVs [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1|built into a passenger van chassis]].                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | build quality, \\ built-in amenities, \\ passthrough, , \\ relatively good MPG                              | parking, \\ expensive                                                                                                                                | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGFJl6mSCIs|Robert Witham #11]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FG4Sg_IavM|Carolyn's RV Life #3]]                                                                                     |
+| [[rv:class_c|Class C motorhome]]\\ - [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=class%20a%20rv&tbs=imgo:1#tbs=imgo:1&tbm=isch&q=class+c+rv|Cutaway vans with large living spaces and overcab sleeping areas]]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | living space, \\ built-in amenities, \\ relatively inexpensive\\ passthrough                                | parking, \\ low overhangs, \\ build quality, \\ very low MPG                                                                                         | [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWEPdRb68Sc|Robert Witham #12]]\\ [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZbTvI5fr9o&t=689s|Carolyn's RV Life #1]]                                                                              |
-====== Making Your Purchase ======
-After you've decided what kind of vehicle is right for your needs, what next?
-    * [[RV:finding|How to find]] your desired van or RV for sale somewhere
-    * How to [[RV:assessment|assess a van or RV]] you have found.  Is it a good one?
-    * [[RV:purchasing|Purchasing the van or RV]]

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